Driving Safe Is Driving Smart
Most of us tend to assume that everything is working as it should when we get behind the wheel. Often, we're in a hurry to get to our destination and forget to check whether or not everything is safe.
By taking a little bit of time before driving off and using a car safety checklist, you can identify most potential issues before they become a problem. Doing so can help you avoid disastrous consequences on the road, especially if you take your car for repairs as soon as you notice any issues.
Your Vehicle Safety Checklist
Tires
There are two important things that you need to check on your tires: the tread and if they're at the correct pressure. Tire pressure ensures the correct amount of tire is in contact with the road and prevents additional wear and tear on the tread.
You can check your tire tread by using the penny test. Place a penny head-first into the tire tread. If the tread doesn’t reach Lincoln’s head, your tires are worn and need to be replaced immediately. Worn tread results in slick tires and blowouts, which can have catastrophic consequences.
Wipers
Wipers ensure that you have excellent visibility during poor weather conditions. Worn wipers can leave streaks or fail to remove water from your windscreen, which can severely impact your ability to see.
While checking your windshield wipers, also check that you can see out of all your car windows. Make sure your back windows are clear of snow or dirt, and that your front windshield is clean and clear, both inside and outside.
Leaks
Before you drive off, check if there are any leaks or stains under your car. If the leak doesn't stain and evaporates, it's probably just condensation off the air-conditioner.
However, if the leak is oily and leaves a stain, it can indicate a significant problem with your engine. Other stains can include antifreeze, transmission, or brake fluid, which also need to be investigated by a mechanic.
Warning lights
Your car has a variety of warning lights on the dashboard that come on when there's an issue. Most modern vehicles will monitor systems, including tire pressure, oil, airbags, antilock brakes, and engine health, with lights to show their status.
If any of these lights stay on, visit your nearest service provider.
Signals and Lights
Make sure that all the lights on your vehicle are working as intended, including your signal lights and hazards. Other drivers rely on your brake and signal lights to provide information about your intentions, and if they don't work, you risk having an accident.
Steering
Steering systems can fail over time, especially with new electric power steering columns. If you find that it's harder to turn the steering wheel than usual, or your steering wheel is at an angle when you're driving straight, take your car in for service immediately.
Battery
Car batteries have a lifespan of around four to five years in ideal conditions. There's nothing worse than getting stuck in the middle of nowhere with a dead battery. If you notice that your vehicle takes a bit more effort to start, visit your local battery center and get your battery checked.
Seatbelts
Check your seatbelts regularly. Make sure they're not worn or abraded, which can result in them snapping in an accident. Also, check if they fasten correctly and buckle down firmly.
Schedule Service on Your Vehicle at Sierra Blanca Motors | Ruidoso, NM
While this vehicle safety checklist will help you identify some common problems, regular maintenance is the best way to avoid catastrophic mechanical problems and identify issues as early as possible. Every vehicle has a different service plan, which is why we offer helpful reminders to notify you when you should bring your vehicle in.
Whether you've got engine trouble or just want to schedule routine service, give Sierra Blanca Motors a call today!
